Bermudez is now looking at homes with overgrown grass and weeds, however, his main concern is not homeowners with unkempt lawns.

“Our primary problem results from vacant or abandoned properties, which are owned or managed by banks, mortgage companies, developers and absentee landlords who are treating the city as their lawn maintenance service,” the mayor said.

According to Code Enforcement Officer Robert Adams, grass or weeds over 8 inches tall constitute a code violation.

“Property owners are given a chance to correct the violation prior to the city performing the abatement and placing a lien on the property to recover the cost for such an abatement,” said Richard Tonetta, city solicitor.